Abstract

This paper is concerned with the development of urban tourism in the area of Greater Athens. Porter’s “competitive advantage” theory presents the elements which determine the success of an industry in an interactive environment where competition acts as the engine of growth. The paper presents the basic aspects of the development of tourism in Greece and in the area of Athens together with the main weaknesses of the sector. This will be followed by suggestions on the directions the sector can seek for further improvement, exploiting the advantages generated by the 2004 Olympic Games. As a guide, the theoretical frames and examples of the policy applied in Barcelona will be used.

Item Type:

MPRA Paper

Original Title:

City Competition and Urban Marketing: The Case of Tourism Industry in Athens

Harris, N. (1993). Urban Economic Development in Europe: Five Case Studies, prepared for: U.S. Agency for the International Development, City of Warsaw, Seminar on Economic Development, Issues and Options, December 10th.

Harris, N. (2001). Spatial Development Policies and Territorial Governance in an Era of Globalisation and Localisation, in OECD, Towards a New Role for Spatial Planning, OECD.

Hiller, H. (2000). Mega-Events, urban boosterism and growth strategies: An analysis of the objectives and legitimations of the Cape Town 2004 Olympic Bid. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Vol. 24.2.

EMP (2001). Research of Development of Olympic Venuses potential in the western part of the Hellinikon airport and in the seaside area of Agios Kosmas and of the renovation of the seaside zone of Floisvos (in Greek), Athens: NTUA.

Petrakos, G. and Oikonomou, D. (1999). Internationalisation and Structural changes in the European Urban System. In Economou, D. and Petrakos, G. (Eds), The Development of Greek Cities, pp.13-44 (in Greek), Athens: Gudemberg and University of Thessaly Publications.